Merchandising Category Associate

Position Purpose:
Support the MD Director in coordinating overall Merchandising activities across categories, ensuring that promotion, display, activation, and MD processes are planned and executed consistently, effectively, and on time.
The role acts as a central coordination point across MD categories and cross-functional teams, while continuously improving MD processes, tools, and ways of working.
Primary job duties:
1. Promotion, Display & Activation Management
Coordinate the overall promotion calendar and merchandising activities across categories.
Work with Category MDs to consolidate and review promotion plans, mechanics, participating SKUs, timelines, and execution requirements.
Coordinate display programs, brand activations, special campaigns, seasonal events, and supplier-funded activities related to Merchandising.
Work closely with Marketing, Operations, Supply Chain, Store Development and other relevant teams to ensure smooth execution at store level.
Monitor implementation progress and follow up with Category MDs on key deliverables and deadlines.
Consolidate post-campaign results and key learnings to support future improvement.
2. MD Process & System Management
Develop, standardize, and maintain MD SOPs, workflows, guidelines, templates, and working tools.
Review existing MD processes and identify opportunities to simplify, standardize, and improve efficiency.
Coordinate with related departments to ensure MD processes are aligned with company operations.
Manage and follow up key MD workflows such as new product introduction, promotion setup, display/activation, product information, supplier coordination and other MD-related processes.
Support MD Director in implementing new MD systems, tools, reports, and ways of working.
Maintain a centralized source of MD guidelines and ensure relevant teams follow the latest process.
3. Category Coordination & MD Overview
Support MD Director in maintaining an overall view of all categories, including key initiatives, promotions, new product launches, supplier activities, and major commercial issues.
Coordinate with Category MDs to ensure category plans are aligned with overall MD direction, commercial priorities, and company calendar.
Follow up key action items across categories and highlight delays, risks, or issues requiring MD Director's attention.
Facilitate communication and coordination among Category MDs to avoid overlapping activities and improve execution efficiency.
Consolidate category information, performance updates, and key issues for MD meetings, business reviews, and management updates.
Support MD Director on cross-category projects and strategic initiatives.
Key Deliverables:
Well-managed MD Promotion & Activation Calendar.
Consistent execution of promotion, display, and activation programs.
Standardized and updated MD SOPs & workflows.
Clear visibility of key activities and issues across all MD categories.
Effective coordination between Category MDs and cross-functional teams.
Timely escalation and follow-up of critical MD actions.
Continuous improvement in MD operational efficiency.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: MD Director, Category MDs, Marketing/Brand Studio, Operations, Supply Chain/CDC, Finance/Accounting, IT, QA/CS and other relevant functions.
External: Suppliers, distributors, agencies, activation partners and other business partners when required.
Relationship management:
Builds strong relationships and foster teamwork among functions, suppliers, and other key stakeholders.
Acts as a relationship partner with internal and external customers by establishing and maintaining open lines of communication.
Provides support to initiatives of other functions within Seven System Vietnam designed to achieve maximum business performance.
Job Qualifications:
Experience in Merchandising, Category Management, Trade Marketing, Commercial Planning or Retail Operations.
Strong understanding of retail promotion, merchandising, display and activation.
Strong planning, coordination and project management skills.
Able to manage multiple categories/projects and work with different stakeholders simultaneously.
Strong process mindset with ability to build and improve SOPs, workflows and working tools.
Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
Strong communication and follow-up skills.
Proficient in Google Slides/Google Sheets and presentation tools.
Experience in convenience store/FMCG/modern trade retail is preferred.